R.I. proclaims May 1 'Day of Reason'

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gov. Lincoln Chafee has signed a proclamation declaring a ''Day of Reason'' in Rhode Island.

The proclamation declares May 1 the Day of Reason. The Humanists of Rhode Island and the Secular Coalition for Rhode Island say they requested it.

The proclamation says the application of reason has ''proven to offer hope for human survival upon Earth by cultivating intelligent, moral and ethical interaction among people.''

The groups are planning events to coincide with the National Day of Reason. The events are being held in parallel with the National Day of Prayer, the same day. They say they're aiming to raise awareness about the ''persistent threat'' to the separation of church and state.

The Providence Journal reports Chafee also signed a proclamation declaring May 1 a Day of Prayer.